A proposal to provide 49 affordable dwellings within Luton has received unanimous approval by Committee. The scheme replaces a former industrial site and provides a mixture of apartments and houses around a communal green - 31 two, three and four-bedroom houses as well as 18 one and two-bedroom flats.

The Charles Street site, in the High Town area of Luton, is currently occupied by two warehouses. It is just off the High Town Road making it ideally situated for work, shopping and transport. The housing has a strong relationship with its 19th Century context through the use of a sensitive material palette and fine detail.

The project, being developed by charitable organisation, Hightown Housing Association, is due to start on site in summer 2017, and is seen as a welcome addition to provide much needed housing for the local area. Completion is aimed for the end of 2018, when 30 of the properties will be offered for affordable rent to local people and 19 for shared ownership.